Westchester County Arts and Culture Events for February 2012

By Marisa LaScala

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Zany Music
When parents talk to you about Dan Zanes, they sound, more than anything else, relieved. That’s because Zanes, a former leader of the 1980s band the Del Fuegos, makes music true to his do-it-yourself, independent roots—music that adults can enjoy as much as their children. Case in point: Little Nut Tree, the newest album by Dan Zanes & Friends, features adult-beloved guest stars such as Andrew Bird, Sharon Jones, and Joan Osborne. Check him out on his all-ages Sirius XM show, “Rocket Ship Beach Radio,” then head to see the band at the Performing Arts Center on February 11.

Truth or Consequences
How good are you at ferreting out the truth? The Liar Show, which will take place on February 11 at the Emelin Theatre, puts your lie-detection skills to the test. Four storytellers will get up on stage and spin a yarn for the audience. Three of them will be speaking about true experiences, and one story will be totally fabricated. When they’re done, you get to interrogate the performers and try to pinpoint the liar (for bragging rights and a T-shirt). The lineup of storytellers includes Martin Dockery, co-creator of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Ophira Eisenberg, an award-winning comic; Faye Lane, creator of the one-woman show I Wish It So; and Andy Christie, The Liar Show’s creator and host.

American Idol
Who would know teen idol Ricky Nelson better than his own sons? Twins Matthew and Gunnar—who had their own Billboard No. 1 song in 1990 with “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection”—will headline a tribute show to their father on February 4 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill. The show, titled “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” features never-before-seen video footage and interviews. But, of course, the real draw is the music, which will be performed live on stage and will include hits like “Travelin’ Man” and “Hello Mary Lou.”

Photo by Paul Schnell

Eagle Eyed
On February 4, the bald eagle goes from national symbol to local attraction at the eighth Hudson River EagleFest. For the best view, head to Croton Point Park, where (mercifully heated) tents host a lineup or bird-brained activities to keep you occupied as you try to spot bald eagles in their natural habitat. You can get up close with hawks, owls, and other birds-of-prey; bring the kids to hear master storyteller Jonathan Kruk; or take a bus tour or bird walk to test out your ornithological prowess. For more information, visit Teatown Lake Reservation’s website at teatown.org.

Epic Comedy
When you think of Colin Quinn, you probably think of the guy who sat behind the “Weekend Update” news desk doing comedy bits on Saturday Night Live, not the guy who stands in front of a slide lecture giving history lessons on stage. But, in his new show, Long Story Short, he manages to do both. Helped by Jerry Seinfeld, who pitched in to direct, Quinn gives a comedian’s perspective on the history of the world’s biggest empires, from the Greeks and Romans all the way up to Jersey Shore. You may think it’s an incongruous match, but the show inspired the New York Times to write: “But if Mr. Quinn’s ideas aren’t novel, they’re definitely immortal. And this easygoing alumnus of Saturday Night Live brings his own distinctive every-guy’s perspective to the galumphing march of civilization.” You can see him perform Long Story Short at the Ridgefield Playhouse on February 17.